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Technology
USAF Tests Dropping Cargo Pods from Orbit with SpaceX Starfall Capsule
The point-to-point delivery approach could let forces resupply almost anywhere without sending aircraft and crews into harm's way.
The point-to-point delivery approach could let forces resupply almost anywhere without sending aircraft and crews into harm's way.
Adding US military demand could roughly double the gap, depending on whether SpaceX extends its Falcon flights.
Radiation testing and two follow-on satellites in 2027 will determine whether space-based computing can scale beyond a single prototype.
The cap disabled some drones used by Ukraine, and the episode has renewed concern about one company's leverage over defense space services.
Analysts are watching the close pass as a possible deliberate approach, raising concerns over how safely military satellites can shadow each other.
Reaching orbit with active payload moves Starship closer to regular commercial flights and a larger Starlink network.
Satellite operators face higher costs and fewer near-term options as Falcon 9 retires and Baguette One’s debut moves to 2027.